GLENCOE, Ill. (April 1, 2014) – Four native ecosystems and themed display gardens create an ideal environment for Camp CBG, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s signature summer day camp for children from 2 to 15 years old. The program is accredited by the American Camp Association and offers a series of morning, afternoon, supervised-lunch, and full-day camps from June 16 to August 15, 2014.

“In the summertime, the Garden opens up to campers who use our woodlands, lakeshores, prairies and cultivated spaces—such as the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden—to explore science, nature, ecology, art and even cooking. The Garden is a beautiful, safe, enriching environment for our all-outdoor programming,” said Amy Wells, manager of camp programs.

The spectacular setting and curriculum combine to create a day-camp experience that’s difficult to find anywhere else in the Chicago area. Dirty Jobs camp provides a heavy-duty, hands-on exploration of the world of botany and horticulturists. Campers design and plant their own gardens, help maintain the Garden’s worm bins, get the low-down on composting, and meet a Garden scientist. The one-week Explorers camp, for grades 3–4, takes place from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on June 23 to 27, and from 9:30 a.m. to noon on July 21–25.

Camera Craft camp has children construct an old-fashioned pinhole camera to rediscover the magic of nineteenth-century photography. Campers also explore the elements of composition and framing snapshots, and use disposable cameras to take photos around the Garden. Developing film deepens their appreciation for the art of photography. The one-week Explorers camp, for grades 3–4, takes place from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on July 7 to 11; and from 9:30 a.m. to noon on August 4–8.

Konnichiwa Japan camp takes full advantage of a rich cultural resource, the Malott Japanese Garden. Campers are immersed in Japanese culture as they explore Sansho-En, the “Garden of Three Islands,” learn the art of bonsai, create sushi-inspired snacks, discover the art of calligraphy, and visit the Shoin House. The one-week Explorers camp, for grades 3–4, takes place from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on June 16 to 20 and August 11 to 15.

Ecology, set in the Garden’s woodlands, prairie and aquatic ecosystems, exposes campers to the world of conservation science. Campers become familiar with native species, and perform their own surveys, identifications, and field observations. The one-week Adventurers camp, for grades 5–7, takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 7 to 11 or August 11 to 15.

Camp CBG provides a continuum for preschool through high school:

The Bloomin’ Garden Strollers social play program meets on Fridays to allow caregivers to explore the Garden with children ages six to 24 months.

My First Camp 2 is a one-hour, Tuesday and Thursday camp focusing on parent and child interaction with nature, science, art and garden activities. Programming is designed for two-year-olds’ fine and gross motor skills and social development. My First Camp 3, designed for three-year-olds, meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Green Thumbs allows children ages 6 and 7 to dig a little deeper into science and nature with such camps as “Expert Wizardry,” “Incredible Edibles” and “Grossology.” The half-day programs run for one week.

Mission statement: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 26 distinct gardens and four natural areas. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $25 per car; free for Garden members. Located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, IL, the Garden is smoke free. Opened to the public in 1972, the Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society, accredited by the American Association of Museums and a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). The Chicago Botanic Garden is the 12th largest tourist attraction in Chicago and is the areas seventh largest cultural institution. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden offers classes for students from ages preK through adulthood through the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School. The hands-on learning programs are for people of all ages, abilities, interests, and backgrounds. Adult education classes include horticulture, garden design, nature studies, and botanical arts for all levels of interest. Other programs bring the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens, and teachers. The Garden’s community gardening programs provide access to fresh produce in Chicago’s food desert communities and training in sustainable urban agriculture for youth and adults. The Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center provides laboratories and teaching facilities for more than 200 Ph.D. scientists, land managers, students, and interns whose research is critical to fulfilling the Garden’s efforts to save our planet by saving our plants. The Science Career Continuum serves minority students from Chicago Public Schools and throughout the region, mentoring them as they prepare for science studies in college and beyond. In conjunction with Northwestern University, the Garden offers a graduate program in plant biology and conservation. The Garden is host to Botanic Gardens Conservation International-U.S., and a member of the Center for Plant Conservation.